Headlights/foglights dim...

[rubberman]

on my wifes 99 montana, the passenger side headlight and fog light are dimmer than the drivers side. Has anyone experienced this before? i wonder if its the wiring or what? i guess i could swap headlight bulbs over and see what happens.

[355smallblock]

If Not A Ground Problem Than Its Probly The Turn Signal Switch In The Column Seen It Before Headlight Circuit Goes Through Switch

[truc0011]

Originally Posted by rubberman

on my wifes 99 montana, the passenger side headlight and fog light are dimmer than the drivers side. Has anyone experienced this before? i wonder if its the wiring or what? i guess i could swap headlight bulbs over and see what happens.

My first assumption would be the bulbs are newer on the brighter side.....if not I would look at the electrical.

[rubberman]

the bulbs arent newer cause i have never replaced a headlight yet since owning. the front turn signal/marker light is also dimmer.

[Glen_T]

Rubberman,

I seem to recall something about a ground screw problem on the alternator. You might search the archives for the Montana and the sister forums.

Not sure that it is the same issue, but something in the back of my mind remembers a GM recall about a ground screw causing problems.....Glen

[rubberman]

so there is a separate ground for thepassenger lights?

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by rubberman

so there is a separate ground for thepassenger lights?

There is a ground post immediately above and just aft of the battery on the inside of the fender on passenger side. Got two wires going to it (10mm nut).

Also wondering if the lenses are fogged up on the (passenger) right side.

(Moisture on the inside perhaps?)

This would give the appearance of one side being brighter than the other.

[rubberman]

there is moisture on the inside headlight but so does the driver side. driver side might have more moisture but its brighter.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by rubberman

there is moisture on the inside headlight but so does the driver side. driver side might have more moisture but its brighter.

You can remove the moisture by taking the assemblies out and sticking them in the oven lens-side down for about 20 minutes at 170 degrees F (usually the lowest setting on most electric ranges).

Then, drill a small 1/8" hole immediately below the halogen bulb in the flat bottom part of the lens assembly that faces the road. Run the drill really slow to avoid too much of the drilling debris from going inside. This method can be used for any outside lens assembly on the van where moisture is a problem.

The moisture will do three things if left unattended.

First, it will shorten the life of any halogen bulb you replace, and second the heat will cause the water to steam up the inside, corrode the connector attached to the bulb, and third it will erode the reflective surface on the back part of the lens assembly.

[rubberman]

well i fixed it.it was a ground wire. I found a black wire that was going to a grounding nut right by the fuse box. Wiggled it a tad and it broke right off. re grounded it and all lights are normal and bright. thanks for your help